Aotearoa Youth Declaration 2026 Organising Committee Applications

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE | MŌ TE HUIHUINGA

Aotearoa Youth Declaration (AYD) is one of UN Youth’s flagship civic education conferences, designed to connect rangatahi with policy-making and spark real impact. Taking place in mid-April, AYD helps participants explore their identities, engage deeply with issues affecting their communities, and discover how they can actively shape positive change.

Participants join hands-on workshops, visit inspiring organisations, and hear directly from leaders in various fields. They then collaborate to draft policy recommendations on issues that matter most to them. These recommendations are published together in the Aotearoa Youth Declaration, a living document that amplifies youth voices in national conversations.

AYD is also about Whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships) and introducing young people to new perspectives and opportunities. It offers rangatahi the chance to connect with peers who share their passion and values, discover their potential as leaders and advocates, and build the confidence to make positive change in their communities and beyond. This inclusive space welcomes young people from all backgrounds, especially Māori and Pasifika youth, to celebrate their culture and identity while learning how to navigate the policy and civic environment.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The National Executive will consult the Coordinator to decide on the specific roles of Committee Members. The Committee Members will fulfil their specific roles and work as a team to achieve AYD’s objectives.

Committee Member roles from previous AYD conferences are outlined below. You may wish to indicate an interest in one or more of these in your application.

• Education Officer

• Relations Officer

• Registrations Officer

• Promotions Officer

• Logistics Officer

• Volunteers Officer

• Equity Officer

• Regional Engagement Lead

  
  

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?

Professional Development

Gain practical leadership and project management experience, build highly transferable skills, and work alongside passionate volunteers from across Aotearoa. This role will strengthen your CV and expand your networks.

Community

Being part of UN Youth connects you with a passionate and supportive whānau of peers who share your commitment to youth development and social change. Many volunteers return year after year, forging friendships that last a lifetime.

Fun!

While it’s a challenging role, it’s also deeply rewarding. Shape your own vision for the event, bring creative ideas to life, and create memories that last well beyond the conference.

Service

Give back to an organisation you care about and help empower the next generation of youth leaders to have their voices heard.

Challenge

Organising a national conference is a significant undertaking, an opportunity to push your limits, grow your capabilities, and contribute something truly special to the youth community of Aotearoa.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

We warmly encourage applications from rangatahi who demonstrate exceptional ability and passion in the following four key areas:

Passion: A deep and genuine interest in youth development, civics education, and making a difference for young people in Aotearoa.

Leadership: Someone who thrives when leading a collaborative, motivated team and can inspire others to achieve shared goals.

Communication: Strong communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders, from committee members to external partners and participants.

Organisational Skills: The capability to manage a complex project over many months, keeping track of multiple moving parts and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day.

While previous experience with UN Youth is beneficial, it is by no means essential; what matters most is your drive, commitment, and willingness to learn and grow.

ELIGIBILITY

You must:

• Be able to fully commit to the expectations of the role;

• Be no longer attending secondary school and be no older than 25 years old; and

• Have no criminal convictions.

POLICIES & CODE OF CONDUCT

UN Youth is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants, volunteers, and staff. We expect all members of our community to act with respect, kindness, and integrity at all times.

Respect and Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and expect everyone to embrace cultural, ethnic, gender, sexual, and ability differences. Discrimination, harassment, or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.

Anti-Harassment and Safety: Everyone has the right to feel safe and supported. Any concerns about inappropriate behaviour or breaches of conduct should be reported immediately to the National People Officer or another member of the National Executive.

Confidentiality: Respect the privacy of fellow participants and committee members. Personal information shared in confidence should not be disclosed without permission.

Substance Use: The conference is an alcohol- and drug-free event. Participants and volunteers must comply with this policy to ensure the well-being of all attendees.

Social Media: When representing UN Youth or the conference online, maintain professionalism and respect for others. Avoid sharing confidential information or any content that could harm the reputation of the organisation.

Compliance: All participants and volunteers must adhere to UN Youth’s policies, including health and safety guidelines and child protection policies where applicable.

By applying to be part of the Aotearoa Youth Declaration conference, you agree to uphold these principles and contribute to a positive, respectful environment where all rangatahi can thrive.

QUERIES

If you have any questions about the role, the application process, or anything else related to the conference, please feel free to reach out to the National People Officer, Sara Ahmad, at ([email protected]).